Nestled on the Basque Nation’s beautiful shoreline in Spain, San Sebastian just isn’t solely a foodie haven but additionally completely lovely too! There are such a lot of unbelievable and greatest issues to do in San Sebastian that you simply’ll be spoilt for selection. Particularly with all of the Pintxos. Yum!
We had an incredible time exploring the perfect locations within the Basque Nation. After exploring the larger metropolis of Bilbao, we ventured over to San Sebastian; and boy it was wonderful!
So, that will help you organise your journey to Gipuzkoa and particularly San Sebastian, I’m sharing among the greatest issues to do in San Sebastian that we completely beloved.
Simply be sure to reach hungry! You received’t cease consuming the Pintxos and making an attempt Kalimotxos (pink wine and coca cola; it’s a factor right here).
1.) Outdated City (Parte Vieja)
Nestled between Alameda del Boulevard and Monte Urgull’s base, San Sebastian’s Outdated City is dwelling to an assortment of beautiful Basque structure, yummy eating places for Pintxos, and loads of little alleys and plazas to discover.
My motto is, eat as you stroll; which works completely within the foodie metropolis of San Sebastian. You possibly can cease at every little pintxos bar and simply have a calming day exploring.
To get the perfect expertise, ebook this pintxos and wine tour of San Sebastian. It’s so good and also you’ll be launched to among the greatest pintxos in San Sebastian. We beloved it.
Not solely that, it’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian if you happen to’re planning to stroll stroll town. You see, you’ll be capable to discover cobblestone streets a lot simpler than by automobile (or the rest for that matter).
As you wander by way of the Outdated City, you will note a lot to see and do. Ensure that to move contained in the Pescaderia or Fish Market, the Plaza de la Constitucion, and the municipal library with its neoclassical structure. The latter is simply beautiful.
Oh, additionally, just some strides away from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you may see the Iglesia de San Vicente, the oldest church in San Sebastian.
Constructed manner again within the 16th century, Iglesia de San Vicente has a surprising Gothic allure and a meticulously carved retablo that has been there because the late 1500s. It’s properly price popping inside to see.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Spain to go to
2.) Buen Pastor Cathedral
Often called the biggest church in all of San Sebastian, Buen Pastor Cathedral is a towering icon and a well-known landmark of town. Its 75-meter-high tower is simply big!
Constructed out of sandstone from the close by Monte Igueldo, it options Gothic Revival structure designed by Manuel de Echave, a notable Basque architect.
Now, in my view, the inside is just a little less complicated in comparison with its sister church buildings. That being stated, it’s nonetheless among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian for a historic really feel of town.
Don’t overlook to see the stained-glass home windows, too. Not solely that, the organ housed there is likely one of the largest in Europe with hundreds of whistles.
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3.) Isla de Santa Clara
Isla de Santa Clara is only a tiny dot off the coast of San Sebastian however it’s the good getaway if you happen to’re on the lookout for a peaceable little go to.
To get right here with ease, ebook this San Sebastian boat tour that can take you proper to Santa Clara. It’s so particular and a good way to discover the island. Simply be sure to ebook these tickets prematurely; the boats can refill within the peak months.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see how beautiful Isla de Santa Clara is; and why it’s been labeled as a web site of Historic Nationwide Curiosity Web site.
There are hidden swimming pools that can cool you on a heat summer season day, whereas the string of picnic areas, eating places, and cafes provide a pleasant escape from the busier components of town.
It’s also possible to take a brief scenic stroll to the island’s lighthouse. It’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastion on a heat summer season’s day.
It’s a spot you may’t miss if you journey to San Sebastian.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Northern Spain
4.) La Concha Seashore
thought-about the Summer season Capital of Europe by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, La Concha Seashore is regarded all through the land as one of many continent’s most breathtaking shorelines.
Aptly named after its shell-shaped bay, La Concha Seashore is flocked by vacationers and locals alike.
Nestled between Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull, La Concha Seashore is well-protected from the cruel waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
It makes it the right place to sit back in the summertime. You see, there’s a lot to do, from; kayaking, swimming, and stopping by the close by cafes.
Afterwards, you too can stroll alongside the promenade for a stunning day of sightseeing. For me, it’s greatest at sundown.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Northern Spain
5.) Plaza de la Constitución
Plaza de la Constitucion, located within the Outdated City, is likely one of the liveliest components of San Sebastian and an awesome spot to go to from 5pm onwards.
Often called the guts of town, it’s the place many of the metropolis’s occasions, holidays, and feast days are held all yr spherical.
One of the standard happenings within the Plaza is the flag-raising ceremony each 21st of January and drawing a flock of locals and guests alike.
That being stated, Plaza de la Constitucion attracts crowds no matter timings. It’s stuffed with bars serving pintxos and among the tastiest Basque wines.
It has been on the coronary heart of San Sebastian because the 1800s and is a spot it’s best to undoubtedly arrive hungry and thirsty.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Northern Spain
6.) Museo de San Telmo
Situated on the base of Monte Urgull, Museo de San Telmo is Basque Nation’s oldest museum and likewise one of many bigger museums within the space.
It’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian that’s completely devoted to the historical past of the Basque Nation, and properly price a go to.
You see, Museo de San Telmo was initially a Sixteenth-century Dominican convent however with a current addition of a brand new constructing.
Inside, there are properly over 20,000 artefacts housed inside. It’s so price a go to.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bilbao
7.) Miramar Royal Palace
That includes English Tudor-style structure, Miramar Royal Palace was constructed by famend English architect Selden Wornum.
Through the years, the Miramar Royal Palace has been the summer season residence of many Spanish Royal Households and have become a agency favorite to go to.
Now, the palace itself doesn’t present guided excursions and isn’t open to the general public. Nevertheless, you may nonetheless stroll alongside its well-manicured gardens and have a picnic in a tranquil spot.
Afterwards, be sure to pop again into the historic centre of San Sebastion and seize a well-earned glass of wine and pintxos.
It’s the easiest way to finish a day in San Sebastian.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Northern Spain
8.) Monte Urgull
Through the years Monte Urgull has served to be a everlasting backdrop of San Sebastian’s skyline. In reality, I’d go so far as saying that it defines the panorama of town.
Once you go to, you may hike to the highest in direction of the Twelfth-century Mota Fort. It’s a quaint historical past museum, with a 39-foot tall statue of the Sacred Coronary heart constructed within the Fifties. Nicely price seeing.
To get there, chances are you’ll begin from the Outdated City and select both the Plaza de Zutoaga or the aquarium as a place to begin. It may be a leisurely stroll as much as the highest, with most components of the pathway shaded and properly taken care of.
Apart from the constructions sitting atop Monte Urgull, the Polbariña is a homely cafe close to the Mota Fort which has some tasty ice lotions, too.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bilbao
9.) Ondarreta Seashore (Playa de Ondarreta)
Only a stone’s throw away from the Miramar Royal Palace, visiting Ondarreta Seashore is likely one of the greatest issues to do in San Sebastian for a pleasant chilled day.
Better of all, it’s good to sit back on the sand in the course of the summer season season.
With Monte Igueldo bordering the shore, Ondarreta Seashore has a very spectacular vista that you may’t miss. Fact be informed, even in winter, this seashore is ideal for just a little stroll.
Oh, and don’t overlook about stopping by Zurriola Seashore, too. It’s an awesome place to sit back out on the shoreline.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bilbao
10.) Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro
Situated on the coronary heart of the Outdated City, Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro is a splendid church with an 18th-century Baroque architectural fashion. It jogged my memory a lot of the church buildings in Sicily, particularly in Noto. They’re beautiful.
Honesty, its exterior has essentially the most epic Churrigueresco facade. Plus, when you head inside you will note the massive Gothic vaults that make this church so particular.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bilbao
11.) Monte Igueldo
Situated west of San Sebastian, Monte Igueldo is a must-visit pure attraction you may’t miss within the metropolis.
Now, it’s well-known for lots of issues, however the classic funicular is a complete gem. You see, the funicular, in-built 1912 and working since then, is essentially the most thrilling option to get to the highest of Monte Igueldo.
As you trip the funicular, you’ll have a surprising 360-degree vista of all the San Sebastian and the coastlines throughout the Basque Nation.
Better of all, you will see that an old style amusement park proper on the tip. There are rides that you may attempt, reminiscent of carousels and a picket curler coaster that’s so kitsch.
Not solely that, you too can go to the El Torreon Tower close to the park and keep on the well-known Lodge Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo. We beloved it.
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